13 Days Kenya Uganda Guided Game Drives and Gorilla Trekking Safari ~ Parvaneh Saatchi USA Traveler

When I embarked on my 13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives and Gorilla Trekking Safari with Deks Safaris and Tours Africa, I expected adventure perhaps a few unforgettable wildlife encounters and beautiful landscapes. But what unfolded over nearly two weeks across the dramatic plains of Kenya and the mist-draped jungles of Uganda became something deeper, something that reshaped my understanding of the natural world, culture, and even my place within it. This 13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari became a collection of vibrant moments each day weaving into the next like chapters in a story written by the African wilderness itself.

13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari Highlights

Tour Quotation Based on Two Travelers and Luxury Safari

• Rate Per Person: US$8,436
• Total for Two People: US$16,872

13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives & Gorilla Trekking Safari ~ Parvaneh Saatchi USA Traveler

Ultimate Safari Journey Across the Heart of East Africa

Our 13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari journey began in the lively rhythm of Nairobi, where the smiling warmth of East African hospitality welcomed us to the continent. The adventure quickly expanded into the iconic landscapes of Amboseli National Park, where I stood in awe of elephants marching in ancient routes under the towering watch of Mount Kilimanjaro an image that still lingers in my mind like a painting. From there, we navigated the diversity of Kenya’s ecosystems lakes shimmering with flamingos, the rolling savannas of the Masai Mara roamed by lions, cheetahs, and the intensity of the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Ultimate Safari Journey Across the Heart of East Africa

Crossing into Uganda felt like entering a completely new dimension of nature. Gentle green hills gave way to tangled tropical rainforests where the world’s greatest primate encounters awaited us. From meeting the expressive chimpanzees of Kibale Forest to trekking through the thick slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to share a mountain clearing with the majestic Mountain Gorillas, every moment felt like an extraordinary privilege.

This 13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari was not just game drives; it was cultural immersion, a photography dream, a personal transformation, and a journey into landscapes that still breathe with ancient timelessness. It was, without a doubt, the most enriching travel experience of my life. And now, I tell my story day by day, adventure by adventure—as it happened.

Experience Storytelling by Parvaneh Saatchi USA Traveler Hosted by Deks Safaris and Tours Africa

DAY 1 – Arrival at Nairobi (JKIA) & Hotel Relaxation

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel

Arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport felt like stepping into a thriving gateway between modern Africa and the land of ancient wildlife kingdoms. A 13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari representative from Deks Safaris and Tours Africa met us right at the arrival hall with a warm smile the kind that instantly makes exhaustion melt away. As we drove toward the Radisson Blu Hotel, we witnessed Nairobi’s vibrant blend of skyscrapers, markets, and the endless movement of people telling a story of a city alive with energy.

The Radisson Blu offered us the perfect welcome a luxurious, peaceful haven where we could rest, rejuvenate, and anticipate the adventure that awaited us. From our window, we could see the warm lights of Nairobi glittering like a promise of the adventures to come. We spent the day unwinding, enjoying a quiet dinner, and letting the excitement of the upcoming safari settle in.

• Animals to Spot (Evening & Next Morning Around Nairobi Area): Olive baboons, Impalas, Zebras, Giraffes, Bushbucks
• Birds to Spot: Marabou storks, Hadada ibis, African grey hornbill, Pied crow, Speckled mousebird
• Cultural Highlights: Modern Nairobi urban culture, Kenyan hospitality traditions, Swahili greetings and etiquette

DAY 2 – Transfer to Amboseli National Park + Afternoon Game Drive

Accommodation: Ol Tukai Safari Lodge

The morning began early as we left Nairobi for Amboseli National Park, a place I had always known from photographs but never imagined would be so extraordinarily beautiful in person. The drive itself was mesmerizing passing villages, open plains, and glimpses of Mount Kilimanjaro rising proudly in the distance.

Arriving in Amboseli felt like stepping into a living BBC wildlife documentary. After settling into the breathtaking Ol Tukai Safari Lodge, we enjoyed lunch while overlooking an elephant-dotted marsh in the distance. By afternoon, we were already on our first game drive.

The sounds of the savanna gentle winds, distant trumpets of elephants, and chirping birds wrapped around us as we ventured deeper. Amboseli is world-famous for its large elephant herds, and seeing them up close was beyond anything I had imagined. Huge tuskers walked gracefully through the grassy plains, their massive bodies framed by the ethereal snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.

We also spotted giraffes, cheetahs resting under acacia trees, wildebeests grazing peacefully, and large buffalo herds stirring clouds of dust as they moved together. The late-afternoon sun painted the entire landscape in golden hues as if nature had created the perfect canvas.

• Animals to Spot in Amboseli: African elephants (large herds), Lions, Cheetahs, Wildebeests, Zebras, Hippos, Hyenas, Buffaloes, Giraffes
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagle, Secretary bird, Grey crowned crane, Yellow-billed stork, Kori bustard, Flamingos (seasonal)
• Cultural Highlights: Maasai villages along the Amboseli region, Traditional manyattas, Spear and shield craftsmanship

DAY 3 – Full-Day Amboseli Adventure + Maasai Visit + Views of Mt. Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Ol Tukai Safari Lodge

Day 3 in Amboseli was one of those rare days that transform your understanding of the natural world. It began with the crisp morning air brushing against our faces as the sun slowly climbed behind Mount Kilimanjaro, unveiling its dramatic snowy crown. Seeing Africa’s tallest mountain towering above the plains felt surreal a towering guardian watching over every animal and traveler.

Our morning game drive led us straight into the heart of Amboseli’s elephant kingdom. Families of elephants mothers, calves, majestic tuskers moved gracefully in tight-knit groups. At one point, we stopped the vehicle and simply watched a tiny elephant calf attempt to flap its ears like its mother. It was a moment of pure tenderness, one that made us appreciate the emotional intelligence of these gentle giants.

We followed a pride of lions lounging atop a termite mound, their golden coats glowing under the sun, unfazed by our presence. A cheetah mother teaching her young cub how to stalk caught our attention next another unforgettable 13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari moment. Everywhere we turned, life was unfolding with raw beauty.

The Visit to the Maasai Boma Community Was Extra-Ordinary

In the afternoon, we visited the Maasai community, stepping into a world where ancient traditions still live. The Maasai welcomed us with vibrant traditional dances, rhythmic chants, and stories passed down through generations. Their red shukas, beadwork, and warrior jumping rituals painted a cultural tapestry as vivid as the landscapes surrounding Amboseli.

As the day closed, we watched Mount Kilimanjaro slowly disappear into soft evening clouds, its silhouette reflecting on the wetlands where flamingos gathered. The golden sunset painted Amboseli in hues of orange and pink a magnificent farewell to a day filled with wonder, culture, and wildlife magic.

• Animals to Spot: Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Gazelles, Baboons, Ostriches, Hippos
• Birds to Spot: Black-winged stilt, African jacana, Saddle-billed stork, African spoonbill, White-backed vulture
• Cultural Highlights: Maasai traditional dances, Shuka attire and beadwork, Community storytelling traditions

Kenya Uganda Game Drives Safari

DAY 4 – Return to Nairobi City + Afternoon City Tour

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel

Leaving Amboseli behind felt like saying goodbye to an old friend one whose spirit would remain etched in my memory forever. After breakfast at Ol Tukai Lodge, we set off for Nairobi, enjoying the breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro as it slowly shrank behind us. The drive back to the city was peaceful, and by late morning, we rolled back into the energetic heartbeat of Nairobi.

After checking in once again at Radisson Blu Hotel, we took some time to refresh before heading out for an engaging Nairobi City Tour. What struck me instantly was the contrast—how Kenya’s bustling capital thrives between modernity and heritage. The city is alive with energy: business centers buzzing with conversations, street markets perfumed with roasted maize and spices, and the swirl of matatus honking rhythmically through the streets.

A Visit to the Nairobi National Museum

We visited cultural stops such as the Nairobi National Museum, where Kenya’s cultural tapestry unfolded through artifacts, stories, and historical displays. Later, we strolled through the verdant Karura Forest trails, a serene green lung nestled within the city. Nairobi revealed itself as a place where innovation, culture, nature, and history all intertwined.

As the sun dipped behind Nairobi’s skyline, we returned to our hotel for dinner. The city lights flickered outside like stars competing with the night sky, and I realized that this safari was not only about wildlife it was about understanding East Africa in its entirety: its people, culture, cities, and natural wonders.

• Animals to Spot (City & Outskirts): Vervet monkeys, Rock hyrax (around museum areas), African civet (rare night sightings), Dik-dik (in forested city areas)
• Birds to Spot: African pied wagtail, Superb starling, African harrier-hawk, Augur buzzard, Egyptian goose
• Cultural Highlights: Nairobi modern lifestyle, Kenyan museum heritage, Local market atmosphere

DAY 5 – Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park + Afternoon Game Drives

Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge

Day 5 took us northwest toward the Great Rift Valley, one of the most dramatic landscapes I had ever seen. As we drove up its escarpments, we found ourselves gazing down into stretching plains, shimmering lakes, and layers of volcanic formations sculpted by ancient earth forces.

Approaching Lake Nakuru National Park felt like entering a natural amphitheater full of life. After settling into the elegant Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, perched strategically overlooking the lake, we enjoyed a hearty lunch before diving into the afternoon game drive.

Lake Nakuru is known as the home of rhinos in Kenya, and within minutes, we spotted a massive white rhino grazing lazily beside a thicket. Its thick, prehistoric frame stood in striking contrast to the delicate flamingos painting the lake’s shoreline pink. It was such a surreal combination power and beauty in perfect harmony.

Afternoon Guided Game Drives in Lake Nakuru National Park

Driving deeper into the park, we encountered graceful Rothschild giraffes, buffalo herds, waterbucks, and even a pair of lions lying in the tall grass, their golden coats blending with the afternoon light. The lake’s sparkling waters reflected the sky like a giant mirror, creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere.

Lake Nakuru’s birdlife was unmatched flocks of pelicans gliding above the waters, cormorants drying their wings on old logs, and herons stalking through the marshes like ancient guardians. Sometimes the birds lifted in huge synchronized waves, creating a spectacle of motion that left us breathless.

• Animals to Spot in Lake Nakuru: White rhinos, Black rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, Lions, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Buffaloes, Olive baboons
• Birds to Spot: Flamingos, Great white pelicans, Cormorants, African fish eagle, Little grebe, Hammerkop
• Cultural Highlights: Rift Valley communities, Local marketplace culture, Fishermen traditions around the lake

DAY 6 – Transfer to Masai Mara + Afternoon Game Drive + Maasai Boma Visit

Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp

The 13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari journey to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve felt like traveling into the beating heart of wildlife majesty. As we crossed into the Mara region, the landscape opened into vast golden savannas that stretched endlessly rolling grasslands dotted with lone acacia trees, like a masterpiece painted by nature itself.

Upon arriving at the luxurious Ashnil Mara Camp, nestled along the Mara River, the sounds of wildlife welcomed us before our feet even touched the ground. The air felt different here alive with the scent of wild grasses and the distant call of animals echoing through the plains.

Our afternoon game drive was like stepping into a live National Geographic documentary. Within moments, we encountered a herd of elephants browsing peacefully, their calves trotting playfully beneath them. Lions lounged atop termite mounds, their regal presence unmistakable. Cheetahs scanned the horizon with fierce concentration. The sheer abundance of wildlife was overwhelming in the Mara, life and survival dance openly before your eyes.

How is a Visit to the Traditional Maasai Boma Community Like?

As evening approached, we visited a traditional Maasai Boma community. The Maasai people welcomed us with energetic jumping dances, rhythmic chanting, and warm smiles. Their red shukas flapped dramatically against the wind, creating vivid contrasts against the landscape. Inside their village, they shared stories of lion hunts, cattle traditions, family customs, and their deep connection with the land.

Meeting the Maasai wasn’t just educational it was spiritual. Their harmony with nature, their pride, their resilience, and their ability to carry ancient traditions into modern times was inspiring. The children giggled as they showed us their beadwork, while the elders spoke of ancestral wisdom with deep conviction.

The sun set dramatically over the grasslands, painting the sky orange and crimson. It felt as if the entire Mara paused to honor the day’s end. Returning to Ashnil Mara Camp, we sat by a warm fire, listening to distant hyenas and roaring lions under a sky littered with stars.

• Animals to Spot: Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Topis, Zebras, Thompson’s gazelles, Hippos in the Mara River
• Birds to Spot: Secretary bird, African grey hornbill, Ostrich, Lilac-breasted roller, Vultures (various species)
• Cultural Highlights: Maasai warrior traditions, Beadwork craftsmanship, Boma homestead, architecture

DAY 7 – Full-Day Masai Mara Game Drives + Nature Walks + Great Migration Experience

Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp

Day 7 was a defining moment of the entire 13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari the day we witnessed the Great Migration.

We set out early, with dew still glittering on the grasslands and the sky glowing gently from the rising sun. The Mara was waking up: lions stretching and yawning, antelopes grazing quietly, and the distant rumble of thousands of wildebeests echoing through the plains.

Driving deeper into the Mara, we encountered a leopard resting lazily on a tree branch, its tail dangling elegantly. Nearby, a coalition of cheetahs patrolled the grasslands in synchronized movement. Every animal here moved with purpose, and every moment felt theatrical.

Then came the climax the Mara River crossing. Thousands of wildebeests and zebras gathered at the riverbank, their tension rising as crocodiles lurked beneath the murky waters. Suddenly, one brave wildebeest leapt into the river and chaos erupted. The herd followed in a thunderous stampede, splashing water into the air, fighting currents, dodging predators. It was raw, primal, emotional. I couldn’t breathe; I couldn’t blink. It was one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth.

How About Guided Nature Walks in Masai Mara National Reserve?

Later, we took a guided nature walk with Maasai naturalists who taught us how to read animal tracks, understand plant remedies, and interpret the behavior of ants, birds, and predators alike. Walking the savanna on foot felt spiritual every rustle, every scent, every footprint held meaning.

The sunset that evening painted the s horizon with blazing shades of gold and red. As lions roared in the distance and the sky turned starry and infinite, I realized the Masai Mara had given me one of the most powerful days of my life.

• Animals to Spot: Wildebeests (Great Migration), Zebras, Crocodiles, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Hippos, Antelopes (various species)
• Birds to Spot: Bateleur eagle, Vulture species, Saddle-billed stork, Black-bellied bustard, African paradise flycatcher
• Cultural Highlights: Maasai naturalist traditions, River-crossing storytelling, Indigenous ecological knowledge

DAY 8: From the Wonders of Masai Mara to the Pearl of Africa — Flight to Entebbe, Uganda

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Entebbe

As dawn gently peeled over the golden grasslands of the Masai Mara, we found ourselves standing at the edge of the Ashnil Mara Camp veranda, still absorbing the overwhelming beauty of Kenya’s premier wildlife sanctuary. The previous days had carved unforgettable 13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari memories into our hearts panoramic plains dotted with wildebeest herds, lions resting lazily on anthills, and the dramatic crossing scene at the Mara River still playing vividly in our minds. But today marked a new chapter a cross-border transition into one of Africa’s most enchanting destinations: Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.

Our morning road transfer back to Nairobi unfolded as a calm reflection of everything we had savored in Kenya. Along the drive, the landscapes transitioned from rugged savanna to bustling rural towns, children waving with joyful energy, and distant hills painting the horizon in soft blue gradients. At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the excitement grew as we prepared for our scenic flight northwards. The moment the aircraft ascended, Kenya’s sweeping savannas faded below us and soon, the expansive waters of Lake Victoria shimmered into view a breath-taking introduction to the lush landscapes that define Uganda.

Arrival at Entebbe Airport in Uganda

Touching down at Entebbe International Airport felt like stepping into a world of gentle humidity, emerald greenery, and warm smiles. Uganda embraced us with an unmistakable sense of tranquility. Deks Safaris & Tours representatives were already waiting, their hospitality immediate and comforting. Shortly after, we checked into the serene Protea Hotel Entebbe, positioned gracefully along the shores of Lake Victoria.

We spent the afternoon unwinding, strolling quietly along the lakeside garden paths, watching fishermen sail across the calm water, and letting the soothing Ugandan breeze settle into our spirits. This peaceful moment marked the beginning of yet another exceptional wildlife chapter one that promised rainforest mysteries, chimpanzee calls, volcanic highlands, and the legendary mountain gorillas.

Animals, Birds & Cultures to Spot Today:

• Animals: Vervet monkeys, Nile monitor lizards, fruit bats
• Birds: Marabou storks, pied kingfisher, African fish eagle, black-headed heron
• Cultures: Baganda people, Entebbe lakeside fishing communities

DAY 9: Journey to Kibale Forst National Park Land of Primates & Lush Rainforests

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge

We began the day with a refreshing breakfast at the lakeside terrace, serenaded by birdsong and the calming view of Lake Victoria’s gentle waters. Soon after, our guide from Deks Safaris & Tours whisked us away for a beautiful road journey to Kibale Forest National Park East Africa’s crowned jewel for primate encounters.

The drive offered a moving tapestry of life in Uganda. Small trading centers bustled with color, banana plantations spread across rolling hills, boda-bodas zipped playfully through the roads, and children with radiant smiles waved at us as our vehicle passed. The landscapes shifted from lakeside lowlands to high-rising volcanic soils that nourished Uganda’s endless agricultural fields. Everything felt alive, fresh, and exquisitely green.

By the time we approached Kibale Forest, a mysterious mist floated across the treetops — a soft whisper from the ancient rainforest ahead. Turaco Treetops Lodge emerged as a magical hideout, perched among towering trees and echoing with forest sounds. The lodge’s charm was undeniable: elevated wooden walkways, the sweet fragrance of indigenous forest, and curious red-tailed monkeys hopping gracefully between branches.

Arrival in Kibale Forest National Park

The afternoon was left for pure relaxation. We sat on our private veranda, sipping fresh tropical juice while the melodic calls of black-billed turacos and the distant hoots of primates filled the air. It was clear that Kibale is not just a national park it is a living cathedral of biodiversity, home to 13 primate species and the world’s most studied chimpanzee populations.

The evening settled softly over the forest canopy as we enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by the lodge’s warm team. Excitement bubbled within us tomorrow, we would venture deep into the heart of the forest to meet our closest relatives: the wild chimpanzees of Kibale.

Animals, Birds & Cultures to Spot Today:

• Animals: Olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys
• Birds: Great blue turaco, African emerald cuckoo, hornbills
• Cultures: Batooro people, Bakiga highlands communities

The Role of Porters in Your Gorilla tracking Safari

DAY 10: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale & Sunset Magic on Kazinga Channel

Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge

Nothing could have prepared us for the excitement of this day. From the moment we stepped into Kibale’s moist undergrowth, our senses heightened. Forest smells grew richer; the ground felt softer beneath our boots; distant cracks of branches hinted at hidden life moving in the shadows. Accompanied by expert trackers and armed with briefing knowledge, we followed fresh nests, broken fig pods, and vocalizations echoing through the canopy.

Then the moment arrived. A dominant male chimpanzee descended confidently from a massive tree. His presence was powerful, intelligent, and deeply humbling. Soon, others joined mothers grooming their young, juveniles swinging playfully, and large males patrolling the forest floor. The 13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari experience was profoundly moving. Watching them in the wild felt like witnessing our own ancestry reflected back at us through time.

After lunch, we proceeded toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, a vast savanna teeming with wildlife. As we entered the park, the terrain opened into dramatic plains, crater lakes, and grazing buffalo herds. We reached Buffalo Safari Lodge and prepared for the next spectacular experience a sunset boat cruise on the legendary Kazinga Channel.

This Cruise was unforgettable.

The waterway was alive with nature: enormous Nile crocodiles basking on the banks, hippo schools bobbing rhythmically in the water, elephant families strolling along the shore, and hundreds of birds decorating the skyline. The golden hour painted everything in warm light, creating scenes so serene they felt unreal.

As the sun dipped behind the Rwenzori Mountains, we realized we had lived one of Africa’s finest wildlife days rainforest primates in the morning, savanna giants at sunset.

Animals, Birds & Cultures to Spot Today:

• Animals: Chimpanzees, elephants, hippos, buffalo, warthogs, waterbucks, giant forest hogs
• Birds: African fish eagle, saddle-billed stork, African jacana, pelicans, kingfishers
• Cultures: Batooro & Banyoro communities around the Queen Elizabeth region

DAY 11: Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth & Scenic Transfer to Bwindi

Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge

The sunrise game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park delivered yet another dimension of the African wilderness. The Kasenyi Plains awakened with life — lions stalking early-morning prey, Uganda kob grazing elegantly in the open plains, hyenas trotting back to dens, and elephants marching in calm family formations across the savanna.

As we navigated through acacia-studded tracks, our guide helped us interpret every footprint, every call, every movement in the bushes. The thrill of possibly sighting a leopard kept us alert, and indeed, luck was on our side — a young leopard stretched lazily from a sycamore fig tree, its golden rosettes gleaming in the soft light.

By midday, we began our scenic road transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park — the mystical home of the endangered mountain gorillas. The 13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari journey was breathtaking: terraced hills, tea plantations, deep valleys, weaving mountain roads, and the cooler highland winds signaling our arrival into gorilla territory.

Reaching Four Gorillas Lodge, perched quietly on the forested slopes, felt like entering a sanctuary. Its intimate setting, forest-view suites, and the hypnotic song of tropical birds made it the perfect retreat before the most important wildlife encounter of our entire safari — tomorrow’s mountain gorilla trekking.

Animals, Birds & Cultures to Spot Today:

• Animals: Lions, leopards, elephants, Uganda kob, buffalo, topi, giant forest hog
• Birds: Long-crested eagle, grey crowned crane, martial eagle, tropical forest species
• Cultures: Bakiga highlanders, Batwa community near Bwindi

DAY 12: The Majestic Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi & Sunset Serenity on Lake Bunyonyi

Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge

The morning we had all been waiting for arrived with the soft melodies of Bwindi’s tropical birds. Mist curled between the trees like ancient spirits guiding us into the heart of the forest. After an early breakfast at Four Gorillas Lodge, excitement fluttered in our chests — today, we stood on the threshold of one of the world’s greatest wildlife encounters: mountain gorilla trekking.

At the trekking headquarters, the Uganda Wildlife Authority team briefed us gently and thoroughly. Their passion for conservation radiated through every word. As we walked into the forest, the world suddenly became quieter, thicker, and profoundly alive. Every step felt sacred — the crunch of damp leaves, distant hoots from monkeys overhead, and the rhythmic heartbeat of the forest that wrapped around us like a guardian.

Our trackers relayed soft signals. We followed. And then — it happened.

There they were.

A full gorilla family resting in a sun-dappled clearing. A mighty silverback watched us with stunning composure and wisdom, his deep brown eyes reflecting centuries of survival. A playful infant clung to its mother, tumbling clumsily in the soft foliage. Youngsters beat their chests in imitation of their elders, curious about our presence. It was unreal emotional, humbling, and transformative.

Observing them was like gazing into a mirror of evolution. Their gestures, their interactions, their expressions everything reminded us of our undeniable connection.

After our sacred hour, we gently made our way out of the forest, our souls fuller than when we’d entered.

Later, we transferred to the magical highlands of Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. Draped in terraced hills and 29 islands floating like emerald gems, the lake’s serenity washed over us instantly. Our sunset boat cruise was unforgettable soft golden light bathing the hills, fishermen paddling traditional dugout canoes, and cool breezes whispering across the water.

We ended the day at Arcadia Lodge, overlooking the breathtaking panorama a fitting haven after witnessing the world’s rarest giants.

Animals, Birds & Cultures to Spot Today:

• Animals: Mountain gorillas, L’Hoest’s monkeys, duikers
• Birds: African harrier hawk, black bee-eater, white-tailed blue flycatcher
• Cultures: Batwa forest community, Bakiga highlands dwellers

DAY 13: Farewell to the Pearl of Africa — Return to Entebbe & Departure

Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

Our final morning in Uganda unfolded peacefully at the banks of Lake Bunyonyi. Mist glided slowly over the water, fisherman canoes sliced gently through the morning calm, and birds welcomed the rising sun with melody. It was a bittersweet farewell — a moment that reminded us just how deeply this 13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari journey had woven itself into our hearts.

After breakfast, we began our scenic road transfer back to Entebbe. The landscapes transformed gradually: rolling terraced hills gave way to lush valleys, then open plains, and eventually the bustling life of Uganda’s towns and cities. We passed tea plantations glistening in the sun, herds of Ankole cattle with their majestic long horns, and vibrant roadside markets bursting with tropical fruits.

Throughout the drive, we found ourselves recounting every chapter of the last 13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari — from Amboseli’s open plains staring up at Mount Kilimanjaro… to the drama of the Masai Mara National Reserve to the mysterious rainforests of Kibale Forest National Park the sweeping savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the sacred, emotional encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi.

By the time we reached Entebbe International Airport, our hearts were heavy but full transformed by a journey that had spanned two of Africa’s most remarkable wilderness destinations. Deks Safaris & Tours Africa ensured every moment was seamless, meaningful, and deeply enriching.

As we boarded our flight homeward, one feeling overwhelmed us:

Africa had changed us.

Its wildlife, its cultures, the landscapes, and its people had given us memories that would linger for a lifetime.

Animals, Birds & Cultures to Spot Today:

• Animals: Ankole cattle, vervet monkeys, goats, zebus along rural routes
• Birds: Grey crowned crane, augur buzzard, African pied wagtail
• Cultures: Baganda communities, local roadside trading societies

13 Days Kenya–Uganda Guided Game Drives Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• All ground transportation
• English-speaking driver-guide
• Domestic flight: Nairobi → Entebbe
• Accommodation as per itinerary
• Meals as per itinerary
• Kenya park entry fees
• Uganda park entry fees
• Chimpanzee tracking permit (Uganda)
• Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda)
• All guided game drives
• All nature walks
• Maasai community visit
• Sunset boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
• Sunset boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
• All activity fees as per itinerary

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Kenya visa and Uganda visa / East African Tourist Visa
• Personal travel insurance
• Hot air balloon safari (optional)
• Optional activities
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Laundry services
• Telephone and room service fees
• Items not mentioned in the itinerary